Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia has found a way to refine his game while being out injured.
Lavia has made just seven appearances this season and has not played a match since November.
Understandably, Chelsea do not want to rush Lavia back, with this not being his first injury. The 22-year-old has missed a lot of football since his £58m arrival from Southampton because of fitness-related issues.
Romeo Lavia’s injury record could force Chelsea to sign a new midfielder in 2026. Who would you buy if Kobbie Mainoo isn’t available?
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have both been mentioned 👀
However, he has still found a way to remain sharp and improve his game despite not always being able to step foot onto a football pitch.
Virtual reality helping Romeo Lavia with scanning
According to the Daily Mail, Lavia has been using a virtual reality training programme produced by the company Be Your Best.
The outlet claims that it has been helping Lavia to improve his scanning on the pitch, which is when footballers, typically midfielders, quickly look around their surroundings before receiving the ball.
Lavia was already a good scanner and receiver of the ball, so the Belgian could become even more of a problem for opposition players if this virtual reality training programme is having a positive impact on his game.
Lavia’s injury has meant more opportunities for Andrey Santos, who has really taken them under Liam Rosenior.
Is Andrey Santos now quietly Chelsea’s best midfielder?👀
What a performance from the Brazilian!
Jason Cundy recently discussed Santos, claiming that the Brazilian can play as a No.10. However, you would expect him to remain in central midfield, especially in the absence of Lavia.
Enzo Maresca missed Romeo Lavia as Chelsea collapsed
Lavia’s latest injury really hit Enzo Maresca hard before the 46-year-old left Chelsea at the start of 2026.
When the Belgium international was fit, Maresca really relied on him, especially in the Blues’ big games.
Because of his ability to receive the ball under pressure and his mobility compared to Enzo Fernandez, Lavia was the perfect midfielder for Maresca in certain matches.
Honestly, had the former Southampton man been fit during Chelsea’s terrible run of form in December, their results under Maresca may have looked a lot different.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
